4 Earth-Body-Soul: How to Make Sun Tea With Coreopsis and Lavender
“No circumstance could possibly have taken place more effectively to unite the colonies than this maneuver of the tea.”
Daily Word of Intention
Unity
Centering Thought
My joy and my peace harmonize.
Questions
<What’s your favorite way to drink tea?
Do you like tea parties?
Do you agree in the unifying nature of tea?
Gratitude:
I am so thankful for my ability to take care of myself. I am thankful for water. I am thankful for the sun. I am thankful for beautiful edible flowers. I am thankful for restorative herbs. I gives thanks for this tea today. I am thankful that I give myself exactly what I need to stay unified in mind and body and spirit.
Recipe:
A bit of organic coreopsis and a bit of organic lavender steeped in filtered water in a clean GLASS jar for 3 to 4 hours.
Enjoy!
Let’s Have Tea Together - Shall We?
Ah - where I am today, it’s hot outside. Hot and sunny. This morning, we had rain, and I thought it would storm. But the dark clouds blew over. And now, the sun is shining. Perfect for my sun tea. I’m drinking a coreopsis and lavender blend. This blend is perfect for me this week because I’ve been focused on my joy and my ability to find serenity whenever and wherever I want to or need to do so. And when this post is posted - where I am - will be the Fourth of July. Well —it’s where you will be too - but you might not celebrate it - a ha! Where ever we are in the world, it’s always a good day to celebrate freedom. Thinking of liberty and thinking of history as I drink this herbal tea warmed by the sun, I think of the Boston Tea Party and smile. So much tea dumped into the bay to express the desire of independence and to call for separation. I remember when I first read about this event; I think it was in 3rd grade. I actually remember where I was sitting in the classroom at the time and who my teacher was-Mrs. Bricker. Anyway, I remember shaking my head and thinking what a waste. How could people be so destructive and so reactive? Of this event, today I discover that George Washington shared my very thoughts. However, in a letter to a London agent, John Hancock noted, “No circumstance could possibly have taken place more effectively to unite the colonies than this maneuver of the tea.” Hummm. Unity. That’s a good point of focus for this day. The unity of the coreopsis and the lavender and the water all melding together to make my cup of tea - in my case jar of tea. And the unity of this country on this 4th of July. And the unity of our world. Independent of one another - and yet - still connected by the sea of life - the sea - and this cup of tea.
Are you drinking tea at the moment? If not, by all means, go and make yourself some. Either by the kettle, or with the energy from our glorious sun. If you’ve got your own herbs, immerse them, and breathe in and digest all they have to offer. Umm - lovely isn’t it?
Our world is so abundant. Nature grows and grows and is persistent in her cheer. Like the coreopsis. I want to be like that too - living with all that I’ve got - persistent in my cheerfulness. And serene too-serene like the lavender. I hope the sun is shining brightly where you are today like it is here where I am. I hope this week you have experienced joy and peace. Well, thank you for joining me - if it’s just for this little time - peace for now - and remember to stay CHARMED.
Cheers . . . and if you are in the states - well - actually - wherever you are in the world or space, Happy 4th! Happy Day of Freedom!
Tips for making sun tea:
Fill a clean glass jar with water. Do not use plastic. Plastic has toxins that would leech out into your water with the heat of the sun. Use glass, very important. Also do make sure your class is very clean.
It’s easy to make a large batch of tea and drink throughout the day - or, like I did in this video, just make a single serving and drink it as part of a self care ritual.
No matter the temperature, the nutrients will infuse into the water. Because it extracts the flavor quickly, many tea-drinkers boil water. However, with time, water at a lower temperature can achieve the same results. Even without the sun in the fridge overnight will work, if you would like a cold brew waiting for you fresh as you start your new day.
If you would rather use store bought or have already dried your herbs and have tea bags or some other straining method, use 2 tea bags for every 8 oz of water or the equivalent in loose-leaf tea.
If you choose to use the sun to heat it up, let sit 2 to 4 hours if using the dried hers, or 4 to 6 hours if using fresh, or until it reaches desired strength.
Use my suggestion of coreopsis with lavender or choose a blend of your own. I like herbal blends, but you may want some caffeine.
Add slices of organic lemon or lime for a nice finish. Drink warm or pour over ice.
Enjoy - enjoy the process of making it, and the act of drinking it.